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Connectal PCIe: Getting Started

Use the PCIe bus to connect an FPGA Board to an X86 host machine running Linux. Build and execute a Connectal project. This tutorial includes instructions on how to install the entire tool-chain locally. If you can't/don't want to do this, use the Connectal Build service as shown in the zedboard example.

Step 1: Parts List

0. Build/Host machine running Ubuntu

1. Xilinx VC707 or KC705 Board

2. Power cable for FPGA board

3. USB to Micro-USB cable

4. 8-lane PCIE ribbon cable (optional)

Step 2: Connect the Board to the Host Machine

If the form factor permits, plug the board directly into an open PCIE slot on the motherboard of your host machine. In these instructions we are using a 1u rack-mounted server, which requires the use of a PCIe ribbon cable.

Step 3: Connect the Programming Cable

Connect the MICRO USB end of the cable to the Digilent USB JTAG surface-mounted programming module and the other end to a vacant USB port on the host machine

Step 4: Connect the Power Cable

Connect the power cable to the board and plug the other end into a wall socket. Power on the host machine and the FPGA board.

Step 7: Install Connectal

Even if you are using the Connectal Build Service, you must install the packages to program the device and execute your design. The following commands add the connectal repository and download/install the packages: